Ashley Parker, an art major at Eastern New Mexico University, is an ambitious graphic designer with big goals.

She anticipates working in a graphic design firm after she completes her bachelor's degree. Her dream is to "help people to communicate and promote their own passions."

Her goals and aspirations as a designer are making way for her success. She hopes to become great in typography and attain the skills to create exceptional animations.

"I like the variety of options that graphic design gives me. I can make beautiful art and have fun while also influencing and informing people," said Ashley.

The undergrad is learning about all of the opportunities and resources the Art Department makes available to its students. She said, "It really is fantastic!"

Ashley spends most of her time at the Art and Anthropology (AA) Building crafting and designing her art projects. She enjoys studying in the Art Commons, with the large windows drawing in natural light.

"Since I spend so much time at the AA building for classes, I feel comfortable there," she said.

She is a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Club at ENMU and participates in the Baptist Student Union (BSU) Christian Challenge. She volunteers at the BSU by designing flyers and posters for events that take place during the semester.

Ashley has been selected twice for ENMU's Dean's list. She has also been awarded the "Rookie of the Year" award from the Department of Art in 2017.

Kevin Parker, her father, is the director of Media Services for the Baptist Convention of New Mexico. He also travels around the state to preach the Bible. Ashley's mother, Susan Parker, was previously a pre-school teacher and is currently a substitute teacher.

Ashley is very grateful to have her sister, Anna Parker, attending ENMU. Anna is third-year family and consumer sciences major and runs on the Cross Country team for Eastern. Read more about Anna.

Ashely's favorite thing about Eastern is the community. "I love being able to walk across campus and know the people I pass by.

"When I first toured the campus, I fell in love with ENMU. I fell in love with the school. I like the size, the people, the emphasis on success, the low cost and the great trees for hammocking," she added.

Her favorite course so far has been "Digital Media I." Her professor Dr. David Deal, who now teaches at Purdue University, taught her new design concepts and the ability to think outside the box. 

"I learned how to use Illustrator, an Adobe Creative Cloud design software, and I absolutely fell in love with it," she explained. "I suddenly had tools to create all the designs in my head, and for the first time, I also understood how to use them.

"Dr. Deal encouraged me to join AIGA, and get involved with Command X, a monthly graphic design competition," she added.

Ashley encourages other art majors at Eastern to "keep learning new things and be adventurous. Your art and talent will improve as you pursue new ideas, techniques and experiences."

Her expected graduation date is spring of 2020. She is thinking about pursuing a minor in computer science.